World Cup 2010 for United's players - Part 3

In our third of four group-stage betting guides, betfair hone in on groups E and F.

Group E
Holland are the fourth best team in the world according to FIFA’s rankings but, at 13.5 (12/1), Betfair punters only rate them fifth favourites to triumph in South Africa. Despite consistently producing great teams, the Oranje have only ever won one international tournament. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben have both had sensational seasons for their clubs and Robin van Persie could star if he stays fit.

Denmark are second favourites to win Group E at 5.5 and 2.0 (evens) to qualify for the last 16. Thomas Sorensen is no Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner is inconsistent up front, but the Danes are well marshaled at the back by Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

Cameroon will provide considerable competition for second place in the group. Twenty years after veteran Roger Milla led their unforgettable charge into the quarter-finals, the Indomitable Lions’ attack is spearheaded by Samuel Eto’o, one of the world’s greatest finishers. We like the 2.2 (6/5) available on them to make the last 16.

At 4.3 (100/30) to reach the second round, punters are giving short shrift to Japan coach Takeshi Okada’s claims that his side could make the semi-finals. We think the Samurai Blue are more likely to finish bottom of Group E at 1.79 (4/5).

Group F
World Champions Italy look generously priced at 16.5 (15/1) in the winner market. They’re considered a shoo-in to win Group F at 1.12 (1/8) but, as the Azzuri tend not to start well, we recommend you avoid that price. Their 2006 triumph was built on defensive nous but the ageing Italian side could be weak at the back.

Paraguay are hoping Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has been saving his best form for the summer. Still, they arrive in South Africa on the back of their most successful qualifying campaign and the market expects them to finish runners-up in Group F at 1.55 (8/15).

Slovakia could upset the odds in this group and at 2.28 (5/4) we’re backing them to reach the last 16. Napoli striker Marek Hamsik will be key and, if Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel can keep things tight in defence, Slovakia may surprise a few people on their World Cup debut.

It will be fascinating to see how fellow debutants New Zealand fare. Can they emulate neighbours Australia and reach the last 16 first time out? At 14.0 (13/1), punters think not.

------------The RoM 2019-20 Season Preview is available for just £6. It includes an EXCLUSIVE interview with Rafael Da Silva, a Q&A with the country's top journalists, articles by brilliant United writers, and so much more. All profit goes to Trafford Macmillan so please support this fantastic cause.

i in no way is a crrick basher but he no did no good football yesterago

misplaced passes and looked abit overwhelmed in a way. I feel for Carrick and I wanted us to win the league for Owen to lift number 19 but also that Mickey Carrick could get that burnley monkey off his back which seems to have hit him like a ton of bricks and knocked the wind out of him. it affected (effected??? ....no ,im right,affected) his season. and it seemed to affect his game yesterday aswell. Buck up Kiddo.
still think the safe bet is not to bet of bookies darlings spain.

i fail to see how this blog post has ANYTHING to do with united, or united's players. We have no players in group E and F. Does Scot get paid to let this ahmed bilai fellow post betting odds on the blog or something?